Doris Peery

Doris Jean (Wagner) Peery, age 92 of Topeka, entered heavenly rest peacefully on November 16, 2022 at Brewster Health Center succumbing to the Alzheimer’s disease that claimed the last few years of her life. Born and raised in Emporia, Doris graduated from Ottawa University and taught in schools in Kansas and Virginia. She married Kenneth Peery on June 7, 1953, and together they raised two sons. They shared many happy years together in Emporia, Northern Virginia, Concordia, Prairie Village, Arkansas (twice), Texas, and finally in Topeka.

Doris was good with kids.   She loved teaching and had a gift for reaching ‘unreachable’ students. She was a reading specialist and served for many years in the Concordia school system. Doris continued teaching part-time after she and Ken moved to the Kansas City area in the 1980’s where she also served in numerous ministries through church and community affiliations.  In the 1990’s they continued ministry in Northwest Arkansas where they enjoyed living on Beaver Lake and becoming politically active. Doris was elected President of the Benton County Republican Women.

Settling in Topeka after finally retiring, Doris and Ken continued their active life of devotion to God and to each other. They were active in the First Baptist Church. They loved to work out together at the Y, enjoyed concerts at Washburn University, and cheered on the Kansas Jayhawks.

Doris was a gifted writer and great teller of stories. She composed poetry, spiritual reflections, and what she liked to call “musings.” Many of her poems and musings are collected in her book, “Town Between Two Rivers: Life in Lines of Blessing”.

Doris’ life was animated by her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and her passion for sharing the Good News. Her early ambition to be a missionary was realized throughout her life of service and devotion to others. Her kindness, humility, and tender manner touched and lifted the souls and spirits of countless people.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents Schuyler and Jennie Wagner, her sister Marjorie, and her husband of 66 years, Ken. She is survived by her sons, Patrick (Cheri) Peery, Lawrence, KS and John (Marianne) Peery, Jessup, MD, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will held be in the Lattimore Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Topeka on Saturday, November 26 at 10:30 am.  All are invited to attend.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Topeka Foundation and may be left in care of the Davidson Funeral Home.